With less than three weeks before the much-anticipated Jamaica national trials, former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell pulled up in the 100m race today at the Meeting International Mohammed VI d'Athlétisme, an IAAF World Challenge event in Rabat, Morocco. According to IAAF results, Powell finished last in 36.13secs. The race was won by Aziz Oihadi of Morocco in 10.27, followed by former European champion Obikwelu Francis (10.31).
The report stated that well before hitting top speed, Powell suddenly geared down to a jog, and then almost to a walk, noticeably favoring his right hamstring.
“He felt a cramp in his right lower hamstring at about 20m,” Powell’s manager, Paul Doyle reportedly said. “He was able to stop before he did any serious damage. It's too early to tell at this moment how serious it is, but we believe at this stage that it is not a serious problem. He feels just a little soreness in the area and tightness when stretching.”
After the meet, Powell's MVP Club Tweeted that Powell had gotten hurt.
A month ago, while competing in the 200m at the Jamaica Invitational International, the power sprinter Powell eased up about 70 meters from home to prevent a hamstring injury. He trotted in last in 21.40secs as his countryman Nickel Ashmeade went on to win in 19.95.
The 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2009 World sprint relay gold medalist and 100m bronze medalist must finish in the top three at the Jamaica trials, June 23-26, to guarantee a spot on the team to World Championships in Daegu in August. He is likely to face strong challenges at the nationals.